CAG in collaboration with Solar Advisory Unit - Dindigul, organised a stakeholder meeting on the adoption of rooftop solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana which was held on 29th November 2025 at Hotel Vivera Grande, Dindigul. The primary goal of this meeting was to inform consumers about solar energy, covering topics such as subsidy programs, financing options, and installation processes. Attendees included representatives from solar developers, financial institutions, and media representatives.
Mr.Suresh Kumar, Coordinator, Solar Advisor Unit - Dindigul, during the meeting
Mr. Suresh Kumar, Coordinator, Solar Advisor Unit - Dindigul, welcomed the participants. He emphasised the importance of solar power today, as it is a sustainable and reliable source of energy. With the rise in electricity consumption, solar energy has become an attractive option for homes and businesses. He also shared that the Solar Advisory Unit in Dindigul has held awareness meetings in Dindigul districts since July 2025. During these meetings, we found that people want to install solar energy systems but don’t know who to contact or how to start the installation process.
Mr.Bharath Ram, Senior Researcher, during the meeting
Mr.Bharath Ram, Senior Researcher, CAG presented an overview of CAG’s work and its current initiatives, with a focus on raising awareness about rooftop solar energy. He also explained that this project is being executed in six other districts with the same goal. He stated that the purpose of today’s meeting is to bring all the key stakeholders together to talk about the rooftop solar, subsidy and installation.
Ms. P. Santhi, Superintending Engineer (SE), Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), shared that the state discom is also working towards meeting targets of the “Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana”, which is a central government scheme launched in 2024 to provide solar power and free electricity to households. He stated that, as an SE, the department conducts monthly awareness meetings across districts, bringing solar developers, TNPDCL officials and consumers. He mentioned that the department also has the responsibility of increasing the power capacity through green energy, especially rooftop solar. She noted that consumers should contact Assistant Engineers if they want to install solar at home.
Mr. V.Nagaraj, Solar developer, during the meeting
Mr. V.Nagaraj, Solar developer, Dindigul, delivered a detailed presentation on rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, covering various system types such as grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid options. The presentation addressed capacity requirements for typical households and the space needed for optimal installation. He also discussed investment costs, highlighting different components like solar panels and inverters, as well as available subsidies based on tariff categories to help reduce upfront expenses. Additionally, he explained payback period calculations to illustrate the return on investment through energy savings and increased property value. Lastly, he provided key installation guidelines to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term system efficiency. This overview aimed to empower the audience with the tools to make informed decisions about rooftop solar PV systems.
Mr. S.Mahendran, Senior Manager, Canara Bank, during the meeting
Mr. S. Mahendran, Senior Manager, Canara Bank, mentioned that banks provide comprehensive support to residential adopters of solar energy for PM Surya Ghar scheme in addition to support from subsidies provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). All the banks are instructed to offer quick, collateral-free loans at reduced interest rates to facilitate adoption. All the nationalized banks have targets to achieve the scheme's goals. To meet these targets, each bank is also individually promoting the PM Surya Ghar scheme. He stated that programs like these should be conducted regularly to inform consumers about these schemes and enable them to secure loans from banks
Participants at the meeting
Mr. Suresh Kumar, Coordinator, Solar Advisor Unit - Dindigul, delivered the vote of thanks to all stakeholders and participants who attended the meeting. He articulated the benefits of installing solar panels, noting that such an initiative not only significantly decreases electricity expenses but also contributes positively to the creation of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.